Overview
Bla Bheinn on Skye is around 5 miles with over 1,000 metres of ascent. Sgor Gaoith in the Cairngorms takes 4 to 6 hours with 900 metres of ascent. Lochnagar covers 12 miles and 900 metres of ascent on clear mountain paths. Slioch in Torridon is a longer 12-mile walk with 1,144 metres of ascent.
Looking for the best walks in the Scottish Highlands?
From dramatic mountain summits and remote glens to rugged coastlines and some of the most recognisable landscapes in Scotland, the Highlands offer some of the best hiking in the UK.
Whether you’re looking to bag a Munro, take on a challenging mountain day or simply explore somewhere new on foot, there are hundreds of incredible routes to choose from.
To help narrow it down, we’ve picked five of the best walks in the Scottish Highlands for your next adventure.
Why Go Walking in the Scottish Highlands?
The Scottish Highlands are made for exploring on foot.
Mountains, lochs, glens and huge stretches of wild landscape make the region completely different from almost anywhere else in the UK.
There’s also something for almost every type of walker. You can spend a couple of hours exploring a Highland trail or head into the mountains for a full day.
Whichever you choose, come prepared. Highland weather can change quickly, and even popular routes can become significantly more challenging in poor visibility, high winds or winter conditions.
1. Ben Nevis – Fort William
No list of the best hikes in the Scottish Highlands would be complete without Ben Nevis.
Standing at 1,345m, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and one of Scotland’s most famous walking challenges.
The popular Mountain Path starts near Glen Nevis and climbs steadily towards the summit. It’s a long mountain day with significant ascent, but on a clear day you’re rewarded with incredible views across the surrounding Highlands.
As you climb higher, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky before reaching the vast summit plateau.
Despite its popularity, Ben Nevis shouldn’t be underestimated. Conditions near the summit can be dramatically different from those in Glen Nevis, so appropriate clothing, navigation skills and preparation are essential.
Best for: An iconic Scottish mountain challenge
Location: Fort William
Summit: 1,345m
Allow: Around 6–8 hours
2. The Old Man of Storr – Isle of Skye
Few walking locations are as instantly recognisable as the Old Man of Storr.
Situated on the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, this dramatic rock formation rises above a landscape of cliffs, pinnacles and lochs.
The main trail climbs from the roadside north of Portree towards the Storr, getting increasingly impressive as you approach the famous rock formations.
It’s significantly shorter than many of the mountain walks on this list, making it a brilliant option if you’re exploring Skye and want a spectacular walk without committing to an entire day in the mountains.
The path is steep and uneven in places and can become slippery when wet, so good footwear is still recommended.
Best for: Iconic Highland scenery
Location: Isle of Skye
Distance: Around 4km return
Allow: Around 1.5–2 hours
3. The Quiraing – Isle of Skye
If the Old Man of Storr leaves you wanting more, head further north to the Quiraing.
Formed by an enormous ancient landslip, the landscape here is unlike almost anywhere else in Scotland.
The route takes you beneath towering cliffs and past distinctive rock formations including the Needle, Prison and Table, with huge views across the Trotternish Peninsula and towards the sea.
There are several ways to explore the Quiraing, but the full circuit makes an excellent half-day hike.
Expect rough, muddy and uneven terrain, particularly after poor weather. Some sections can also feel exposed, so take your time and choose a route appropriate for the conditions.
Best for: Dramatic landscapes and photography
Location: Isle of Skye
Distance: Around 7km for the circuit
Allow: Around 3–4 hours
4. Explore Glencoe
Glencoe is one of the most spectacular places to go walking in the Scottish Highlands.
Surrounded by towering mountains, steep ridges and waterfalls, the glen offers everything from shorter walks to serious mountain days.
For a relatively accessible adventure, the Lost Valley – Coire Gabhail is a great introduction to the area.
The trail heads into a hidden valley between the mountains, following rough and rocky terrain before opening into the dramatic upper glen.
More experienced hillwalkers have plenty of bigger objectives nearby, but you don’t need to reach a summit to appreciate just how impressive Glencoe is.
Best for: Classic Highland mountain scenery
Location: Glencoe
Difficulty: Routes available for a range of abilities
5. Walk Part of the West Highland Way
You don’t have to complete all 96 miles of the West Highland Way to experience one of Scotland’s greatest walking routes.
Running from Milngavie to Fort William, the trail passes through some spectacular Highland scenery, including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.
If you’re visiting the Highlands for a shorter trip, choose a section and experience part of the route as a day walk.
The sections around Rannoch Moor and Glencoe are particularly spectacular, with huge open landscapes and some of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains surrounding the trail.
And if one day isn’t enough, you can always come back and tackle the full route.
Best for: Long-distance walking
Full distance: Approximately 96 miles / 154km
Finish: Fort William
What to Take Walking in the Scottish Highlands
Even if the forecast looks good when you leave, conditions in the Highlands can change quickly.
For a bigger day out, consider carrying:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers
- Appropriate walking shoes or boots
- Map and navigation equipment
- Fully charged phone
- Food and snacks
- Water and electrolytes
- Emergency supplies appropriate for your route
The longer and more remote your walk, the more important it becomes to carry enough food and fluid to keep yourself going.
How to Fuel a Long Day of Hiking
A full day walking in the Scottish Highlands can require a surprising amount of energy.
Starting with a good breakfast is important, but for longer routes you’ll also want to eat regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you’re hungry or running low on energy.
Carbohydrate-rich foods are particularly useful during longer and harder walks because they provide an accessible source of energy.
Pack a mixture of foods you actually enjoy eating. Sandwiches and other real foods can work well alongside more convenient sports nutrition products when you’re on the move.
For longer or more demanding mountain days, VOOM Pocket Rockets provide a compact carbohydrate source that’s easy to carry in a running vest or backpack.
And don’t forget hydration. Even when the Scottish weather isn’t particularly warm, you’re still losing fluid and electrolytes through sweat as you walk.
When Is the Best Time to Walk in the Scottish Highlands?
The Highlands can be explored throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons.
Spring and summer bring longer daylight hours, while autumn can deliver spectacular colours and quieter trails.
Winter is a completely different proposition.
Snow and ice can transform a straightforward summer mountain walk into a serious mountaineering objective requiring specialist equipment, skills and experience.
Always check the mountain weather forecast and route conditions before setting out and choose a walk appropriate for your experience.
Scottish Highlands Walking FAQs
What are the best walks in the Scottish Highlands?
Ben Nevis, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Glencoe and sections of the West Highland Way are among the most iconic places to walk in the Scottish Highlands.
The best route for you will depend on your fitness, experience, available time and the weather conditions.
What is the most famous walk in the Scottish Highlands?
Ben Nevis is arguably the most famous mountain walk in the Highlands. At 1,345m, it’s the highest mountain in the UK and attracts walkers from around the world.
Where is best for hiking in the Scottish Highlands?
Fort William, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye are excellent bases for Highland walking, with a huge variety of routes nearby.
The Cairngorms and north-west Highlands are also home to some outstanding mountain walking.
Are there easy walks in the Scottish Highlands?
Yes. You don’t have to climb a Munro to experience the Highlands.
There are plenty of shorter walks around lochs, forests, glens and coastal areas, as well as shorter routes such as the Old Man of Storr.
Do I need hiking boots for the Scottish Highlands?
It depends on the route, terrain and conditions. For mountain routes, supportive footwear with good grip is recommended.
Whatever footwear you choose, make sure you’ve worn it before your trip rather than discovering halfway up a mountain that it causes blisters.
Discover the Best Walks in the Scottish Highlands
From standing on top of the UK’s highest mountain to exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Skye, walking in the Scottish Highlands is hard to beat.
The five routes above are only a starting point.
Choose a route that suits your experience, check the weather and conditions, pack appropriately and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy one of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK.
Then all that’s left to do is decide where you’re walking next.
VOOM Products We’d Recommend for Hiking
Heading out for a long day in the hills? Here are a few VOOM essentials we’d pack to help keep your energy and hydration topped up.
Pocket Rocket Energy Bars – 45g of carbohydrate in four easy-to-eat bites, ideal for quick energy on climbs or when you start to fade.
POWR Endurance Bars – A more substantial option for longer days, providing sustained energy when you’re spending hours on the trail.
Hydrate Rapid Electrolyte – Add to your bottle to help replace the fluid and electrolytes lost through sweat.
ElectroBytes – Easy-to-carry electrolyte chews that are ideal for topping up electrolytes without having to mix another drink.
Combine them with plenty of water and real food, and you’ll be well fuelled for a big day exploring the Scottish Highlands.
